Jennylee Church (Church) Olesek

Jennylee Church Olesek passed away peacefully at 108 years of age on Friday, October 10th in War Memorial Hospital, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Jennylee was born on May 20, 1906 on Harbor Island off of Drummond Island, Michigan at the home of her grandparents Dr./Captain J.Wells and Rosalee (LeSage) Church. Her parents were Captain Hector Hall and Margaret (LeRoy/Hamilton) Church. Her early years were spent on Drummond and in the Detour area. She graduated from Sault High School in 1923 and married John Olesek (deceased) in 1926. Of their four children, Margaret Ann (Russell) McPherson of the Sault, and Fredric Wells (Pamela) Olesek of Reno, Nevada survive. She was predeceased by sons John, and Dr. Gerald Church Olesek. As with most centenarians she was also predeceased by her siblings Gordon “Bud” (Alice) Church, Eleanor (George) Duffy, and Gloria (John) Faris. Jennylee is survived by seven grandchildren, Debra McPherson (Michael Doyle), Michael (Christine) McPherson, Cynthia (Gordon) Brazil, and Denise McPherson of the Sault; Christy Olesek of Prescott, Arizona; Rick (Susan) Olesek of Los Gatos, California, and Gordon (Megan) Olesek of Los Altos, California. She was also blessed with ten great grandchildren (Jason Brommenschenkel, Kris (Lisa) Brommenschenkel, Nicole Hobbs, Michael John (Trisha) McPherson, Kara McPherson, Brooks Olesek, Quinn Olesek, Gavin Olesek, Samuel Olesek and Cecelia Olesek; and seven great- great grandchildren, Christina, Brett , Avery Grace, Katie, Brianna, Rebecca, and Shayla. Her many nieces, nephews held a very special place in her heart and they continued to visit and remain a part of their “Auntie Jen’s” life. She maintained strong ties with her cousins Rosalie LeSage of Drummond Island and Iva Harrington of the Sault. Jennylee was very thankful and fortunate to have Dr. Thilak Chander as her personal physician and loved him as a family member and great friend. For most of her early adult life she worked at the Ojibway Hotel. She then discovered a passion for the game of bridge and played in the Elks and Country Club Bridge Clubs for over sixty years, her last games were actually in May of this year. She was most proud of winning the Grand Championship (in her late nineties) in the prestigious Ontario Tournament in Sault, Canada. Jennylee found great friends and camaraderie as the “oldest” Red Hat member, and a Sault Tribe member. She also was an avid traveler most of her life, driving Route 66 numerous times as well as tours to Central America and Europe. She loved to write notes of wisdom to her many family members and friends, and took pride in their educational and personal accomplishments. She was an avid reader keeping up with research and world events. Jennylee hosted university students in her home to talk about factors contributing to her longevity and she very much enjoyed the younger generations. Jennylee loved parties and social events. Her secret to a long life (besides good genes) was no housework, no stress, and a glass of Chardonnay! At 107, Jennylee agreed to pose for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Hospice Calendar as “Miss May.” Jennylee passed before moving to the new Hospice House but her wishes were to continue to support E.U.P. Hospice and a memorial fund is established in her name. Many thanks also to the wonderful nurses and aids that cared for her over the last few months at Hearthside, War Memorial Hospital, and Long Term Care. Jennylee will be buried next to her loving husband John, in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens on Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 am with Father Pawel Mecwel officiating. As per her wishes, a Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 pm for family and friends at the Elks Lodge in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Come share your stories and raise a glass in celebration of Jennylee! Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

Tributes

Jennylee Church (Church) Olesek

May 20, 1906 - October 10, 2014